Haptic detection thresholds of Gaussian proﬁles over the whole range of spatial scales

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Haptic detection thresholds of Gaussian proﬁles over the whole range of spatial scales

Louw, S.; Kappers, A.M.L.; Koenderink, J.J.

(2000) Experimental brain research, volume 132, pp. 369 - 374

(Article)

Abstract

In the literature only a small subset of the
broad range of scales of human haptic perception has
been explored. In this experiment, haptic detection
thresholds have been investigated over a wide range of
spatial scales. Computer-controlled manufacturing techniques
have made it possible to produce stimuli with sufficient
accuracy to explore the gamut of haptic scales.
We ... read more used stimuli with a convex or concave Gaussianshaped
profile running over the middle of a strip. The
width of the Gaussian profile was varied between
150 μm and 240 mm. In this range of spatial scales a
number of mechanisms, ranging from cutaneous mechanoreception
to proprioception in fingers, arm and shoulder,
contribute to haptic perception. The discrimination
threshold between a flat surface and a Gaussian surface
was investigated in a series of two alternative forced
choice experiments on human subjects. The thresholds
run from 1 μm for the narrowest Gaussian profiles to
8 mm for the broadest profile. The same thresholds were
found for convex and concave shapes. Over the range of
spatial scales, from 1 mm width on, the dependence of
the detection threshold on the spatial width of the
Gaussian profile was found to be a power function with
an exponent of about 1.3. show less

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